centre, Lido, surroundings — idealista/news

Catanzaro is a unique city nestled between the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its history is thousands of years old, as it was a very important city for Magna Graecia and, still today, it holds the role of capital of Calabria. Being easily accessible from both coasts, it is also an interesting destination to visit. Discover, therefore, what to see in Catanzaro.

What to see in the historic center of Catanzaro

The beating heart of Catanzaro is undoubtedly its historic center, a maze of streets and squares that tell stories of bygone eras and host some of the most significant monuments of the city. Walking through the historic center, you can visit:

• The Cathedral of Catanzaro: Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, it is a magnificent example of religious architecture. Originally Norman, it has been remodeled several times over time.
• Mazzini Course: In Corso Mazzini, Catanzaro’s main street, you can find shops, cafes and characteristic views.
• The San Giovanni Complex: A set of historic buildings, now a center of exhibitions and cultural activities.
• The Mediterranean Biodiversity Park: Although it is not exactly in the historic center, it can be reached in a few minutes on foot and represents a green oasis with Mediterranean flora and fauna.
• BRAND: the Museum of Arts of Catanzaro is a very interesting place where works ranging from ancient to contemporary are exhibited.

What to do in Catanzaro Lido?

A visit to Catanzaro Lido offers a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes. This seaside resort, which is just 14 kilometers from the center, is the ideal place for those seeking relaxation and fun. Here you can spend your days lounging on its wide golden beaches, take a stroll along the seafront, or explore the many shops and clubs that animate the area.

For sports lovers, Catanzaro Lido offers facilities for practicing beach volleyball, five-a-side football and water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the favorable winds that characterize this area. In Catanzaro, in fact, it’s always windy because the separation between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea is only 28 kilometers.

Nightlife and events

When the sun sets on Catanzaro, the city transforms and offers a lively nightlife. The historic center and the seafront of Catanzaro Lido offer various things to do. You can start your evening with an aperitif in the bars and clubs overlooking the sea, and then have dinner in one of the restaurants offering typical Calabrian cuisine and delicious fresh seafood. During the summer, in particular, the city hosts open-air festivals and concerts that attract visitors from the surrounding area.

What to eat in Catanzaro: typical dishes

The cuisine of Catanzaro is truly excellent, as in every corner of Calabria, moreover. When you visit Catanzaro, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste local specialties, including:

• Pilchard: it is a spicy cream based on whitebait fish, chilli pepper and olive oil.
• Pitta: typical wood-fired bread.
• Fileja: a type of fresh pasta similar to fusilli, often served with sauce or ‘nduja, a spicy, spreadable cured meat.
• Morzello: a tasty stew of veal offal in tomato sauce.
• Pitta ‘impigliata: traditional Calabrian dessert.

Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a glass of Calabrian wine, such as Greco di Bianco or Ciròto best complete the gastronomic experience.

Villages and cities to see in the surroundings of Catanzaro

The surroundings of Catanzaro are dotted with picturesque and authentic villages, but also with other cities that are worth visiting. For example, consider visiting:

• Sovereign: known as the “Pearl of the Ionian”, it offers enchanting beaches and a lively seafront.
• Badolato: a medieval village perched on a hill overlooking the sea, famous for its churches and historic buildings.
• Squillace: famous for its artistic ceramics and the Norman castle that overlooks the village.
• Crotone: in the capital you can see the Castle of Charles V and the National Archaeological Museum
• Cosenza: among the main attractions there is the Cathedral from 1222 and the Norman-Swabian Castle.

How to get to Catanzaro: car, bus or train

If you are planning a visit to Catanzaro, you will have several options for reaching what is often called the “City of the Winds”.

• By car: Traveling along the A3 motorway to the Lamezia Terme exit and following the SS280 Catanzaro or, alternatively, via the SS106.

• By bus: Several bus companies offer direct connections to Catanzaro from numerous Italian cities.
• On the train: The Catanzaro and Catanzaro Lido stations are connected with regional and intercity trains departing from the major Italian cities.

Living in Catanzaro

Visiting Catanzaro is certainly worth it, but living there is also a good idea. The city today offers a good quality of life that can attract new residents. The presence of schools, universities and the train station makes the city an ideal place for families and students. If you are thinking of living in Catanzaro, discover all the secrets of the city with idealista and look for the house that best suits your needs.